Safety stanchion

ABSTRACT

A safety stanchion comprises an elongate support member and first and second clamp members. The elongate support member has an intermediate portion interconnecting first and second ends and a side support member with a third end extending outward laterally proximate the intermediate portion. The first clamp member has a connector with a longitudinal axis and an extension portion extending outward from the connector laterally relative to the longitudinal axis. The second clamp member has a connector with a longitudinal axis and an extension portion extending outward from the connector in alignment with the longitudinal axis. The first clamp member is connected to the first end and the second clamp member is connected to the third end for connection to a horizontal structure, and the first clamp member is connected to the third end and the second clamp member is connected to the first end for connection to a vertical structure.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a safety stanchion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Safety stanchions are commonly used to support various types of safetysystems including, but not limited to, safety netting systems,horizontal lifeline systems, and guardrail systems. Safety nettingsystems may be used during construction for capturing any debris thatfalls from a work area. Horizontal lifeline systems provide an anchoragestructure for workers performing tasks in proximity of the horizontallifeline system. Guardrail systems assist in preventing workers fromwalking off of a support structure.

Examples of possible applications include, but are not limited to, areasleft undecked during construction, areas proximate the perimeter of thebuilding, elevator shafts, service chases, tower cranes, skylights,bridges, towers, drilling rigs, power and electrical plants, oilrefineries, silos, dams, and ships' holds.

It is preferred that the safety stanchions be quickly and easilyinstalled and removed from the support structures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention provides a safety stanchioncomprising an elongate support member, a first clamp member, and asecond clamp member. The elongate support member has an intermediateportion interconnecting a first end and a second end and a side supportmember extending outward laterally proximate the intermediate portion.At least one first aperture is between the intermediate portion and thefirst end, and the side support member has a third end and at least onesecond aperture. The first clamp member has a first connector with athird aperture. The first connector is configured and arranged to bereleasably connected to the first end and the third end, and the thirdaperture is alignable with the at least one first aperture and the atleast one second aperture. The second clamp member has a secondconnector with a fourth aperture. The second connector is configured andarranged to be releasably connected to the first end and the third end,and the fourth aperture is alignable with the at least one firstaperture and the at least one second aperture. The first clamp isconnected to the first end and the second clamp is connected to thethird end for connection to a horizontal structure, and the first clampis connected to the third end and the second clamp is connected to thefirst end for connection to a vertical structure. Fasteners are insertedthrough the respective apertures to secure the first clamp and thesecond clamp to the elongate support member.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a safety stanchioncomprising an elongate support member, a first clamp member, and asecond clamp member. The elongate support member has an intermediateportion interconnecting a first end and a second end and a side supportmember extending outward laterally proximate the intermediate portion.The side support member has a third end. The first clamp member has afirst connector with a first longitudinal axis and a first extensionportion extending outward from the first connector in a lateraldirection from the first longitudinal axis. The second clamp member hasa second connector with a second longitudinal axis and a secondextension portion extending outward from the second connector inalignment with the second longitudinal axis. The first clamp member isconnected to the first end and the second clamp member is connected tothe third end for connection to a horizontal structure, and the firstclamp member is connected to the third end and the second clamp memberis connected to the first end for connection to a vertical structure.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of convertinga safety stanchion from a first configuration for use with a horizontalsupport structure to a second configuration for use with a verticalsupport structure. The safety stanchion includes an elongate supportmember with a first end and a side support member extending outward froman intermediate portion of the elongate support member. In the firstconfiguration, a first clamp member is operatively connected to thefirst end and a second clamp member is operatively connected to the sidesupport member. The first clamp is disconnected from the first end ofthe elongate support member and the second clamp is disconnected fromthe side support member. The first clamp member is connected to the sidesupport member and the second clamp member is connected to the first endof the elongate support member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a safety stanchion constructed according to theprinciples of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective exploded view of the safety stanchion shownin FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial side view of the safety stanchion shown in FIG. 1rotated 180 degrees connected to a support structure;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the safety stanchion shown in FIG. 3 in dashedlines in a first configuration illustrating how a first clamp member anda second clamp member are disconnected from the first configuration andconnected in a second configuration;

FIG. 5 is a partial side view of the safety stanchion shown in FIG. 4 inthe second configuration connected to another support structure;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the safety stanchion shown in FIG. 3illustrating deployment of a netting panel connected to the safetystanchion;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a bracket of the safety stanchion shownin FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the bracket shown in FIG. 7 connected to asupport structure;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the bracket shown in FIG. 7 connected toanother support structure;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the bracket shown in FIG. 7 connected toanother support structure;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the bracket shown in FIG. 7 connected toanother support structure;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the bracket shown in FIG. 7 connected toanother support structure;

FIG. 13 is a side view of another embodiment safety stanchionconstructed according to the principles of the present invention; and

FIG. 14 is a side perspective exploded view of the safety stanchionshown in FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A safety stanchion constructed according to the principles of thepresent invention is designated by the numeral 100 and 700 in thedrawings.

The safety stanchion 100 includes an elongate support member 101, whichis preferably a post-like member positioned in a vertical orientationwith a first end 102 proximate the bottom and a second end 108 proximatethe top. An intermediate portion 104 interconnects the first end 102 andthe second end 108, and a plurality of apertures 105 extending throughthe elongate support member 101 are spaced along the intermediateportion 104 proximate the first end 102. Above the plurality ofapertures 105 is an aperture 106, which extends through the elongatesupport member 101 on opposing sides adjacent the sides through whichthe plurality of apertures 105 extend. An aperture 109 extends throughthe elongate support member 101 above the aperture 106 on the same sideas the aperture 106. On one side of the elongate support member 101 is anut (not shown) proximate the aperture 106 and a nut 109 a proximate theaperture 109. Preferably, the nuts are welded onto the elongate supportmember 101 and have threaded bores in fluid communication with theapertures.

A side support member 122 is operatively connected to the elongatesupport member 101, preferably by welding, and extends outward from theintermediate portion 104 proximate one side of the aperture 106. A firstend 123 of the side support member 122 is connected to the elongatesupport member 101, and a second end 124 of the side support member 122extends outward from the elongate support member 101. A plurality ofapertures 125 extend through the side support member 122.

The elongate support member 101 and the side support member 122 arepreferably square-shaped cylindrical tubes made out of steel. Theapertures in the elongate support member 101 and the side support member122 are corresponding apertures in opposing sides of the square-shapedcylindrical tubes. Therefore, the corresponding apertures could also bebores extending through the elongate support member 101 and the sidesupport member 122.

Proximate the second end 108 of the elongate support member 101 arefirst and second brackets 110 and 113, which are rectangular plates bentalong their longitudinal axis to be generally L-shaped. One side of eachbracket 110 and 113 is operatively connected to the second end 108,preferably by welding, and the other side extends outward from thesecond end 108 like a flange. Approximately half of the brackets 110 and113 are connected to the second end 108 and approximately half of thebrackets 110 and 113 extend upward beyond the top of the elongatesupport member 101. The brackets 110 and 113 are connected to the sidesof the elongate support member 101 adjacent the side from which the sidesupport member 122 is connected. Preferably, the flanges extend outwardproximate the side of the elongate support member 101 opposite the sidefrom which the side support member 122 extends. The flange of the firstbracket 110 includes a slot 111 proximate the bottom and the flange ofthe second bracket 113 includes a slot 114 proximate the bottom. Awebbing 116 is threaded through the slots 111 and 114, and the webbing116 includes a buckle 117. Alternatively, rather than using the webbing116, any suitable elongate or strap member could be used such as, butnot limited to, a chain with at least one end including a hook.Proximate the tops of the brackets 110 and 113, corresponding apertures112 and 115 extend therethrough, and a fastener 118, including a bolt118 a and a nut 118 b, is inserted through the apertures 112 and 115.

The first end 102 of the elongate support member 101 and the second end124 of the side support member 122 are configured and arranged to bereleasably connected to first and second clamp members 130 and 140. Thefirst and second clamp members 130 and 140 are interchangeable on thefirst and second ends 102 and 124 depending upon the desiredconfiguration. The first clamp member 130 includes a cylindricalconnector portion 131 configured and arranged to slide over the firstand second ends 102 and 124. The connector portion 131 includes anaperture 132, which corresponds to at least one of the apertures 105 and125, proximate a first end of the connector portion 131. A fastener 133,including a bolt 133 a and a nut 133 b, is inserted through theapertures to releasably connect the first clamp member 130.

A first bracket 134 and a second bracket 136 are operatively connected,preferably by welding, to the connector portion 131 proximate a secondend of the connector portion 131. The connector portion 131 includes alongitudinal axis, and the brackets 134 and 136 extend outward from theconnector portion 131 in a lateral direction from the longitudinal axis.The brackets 134 and 136 are preferably rectangular plates bent alongtheir longitudinal axis to be generally L-shaped. One side of eachbracket 134 and 136 is operatively connected to the connector portion131, preferably by welding, and the other side extends outward from theconnector portion 131 like a flange. Preferably, the flanges extendoutward from the connector portion 131 more proximate the aperture 132than the second end of the connector portion 131. The flange of thefirst bracket 134 includes an aperture 135 and the flange of the secondbracket 136 includes an aperture 137. The side of the flange adjacentthe connected side of the bracket 134 includes a nut (not shown)proximate the aperture 135, and the side of the flange adjacent theconnected side of the bracket 136 includes a nut 138 proximate theaperture 137. In the orientation shown in FIG. 2, the nuts are proximatethe bottom surfaces of the flanges. Preferably, the nuts are welded ontothe flanges and have threaded openings in fluid communication with theapertures. Fasteners 151 (shown in FIG. 5), which are used in oneconfiguration of the stanchion 100, have threads that mate with thethreads of the nuts and are inserted through the nuts and the apertures.An end plate 139 interconnects the distal ends of the brackets 134 and136.

The second clamp member 140 includes a cylindrical connector portion 141configured and arranged to slide over the first and second ends 102 and124. The connector portion 141 includes an aperture 142, whichcorresponds to at least one of the apertures 105 and 125, proximate afirst end of the connector portion 141. A fastener 143, including a bolt143 a and a nut 143 b, is inserted through the apertures to releasablyconnect the second clamp member 140. A first bracket 144 and a secondbracket 146 are operatively connected, preferably by welding, to theconnector portion 141 proximate a second end. The connector portion 141includes a longitudinal axis, and the brackets 144 and 146 extendoutward from the connector portion 141 in a direction parallel to thelongitudinal axis.

The brackets 144 and 146 are preferably rectangular plates bent alongtheir longitudinal axis to be generally L-shaped. One side of eachbracket 144 and 146 is operatively connected to the connector portion141, preferably by welding, and the other side extends outward from theconnector portion 141 like a flange. Preferably, the flanges extendoutward from the connector portion 141 proximate the same side of theconnector portion 141. The flange of the first bracket 144 includes anaperture (not shown) and the flange of the second bracket 146 includesan aperture 147. The side of the flange adjacent the connected side ofthe bracket 144 includes a nut (not shown) proximate the aperture (notshown), and the side of the flange adjacent the connected side of thebracket 146 includes a nut 148 proximate the aperture 147. In theorientation shown in FIG. 2, the nuts are proximate the top surfaces ofthe flanges. Preferably, the nuts are welded onto the flanges and havethreaded openings in fluid communication with the apertures. An endplate 149 interconnects the distal ends of the brackets 144 and 146.Fasteners 150, which have threads that mate with the threads of thenuts, are inserted through the nuts and the apertures.

An optional bracket 160, which is preferably a rectangular plate member,includes an aperture proximate each corner, apertures 161 a, 161 b, 161c, and 161 d. Proximate the top, between apertures 161 a and 161 b, isan aperture 162 a, and proximate the bottom, between apertures 161 c and161 d, is an aperture 162 b. First and second brackets 163 and 166 areconnected, preferably by welding, to the bracket 160. The brackets 163and 166 are generally L-shaped and the adjacent edges of the sides areconnected to the bracket 160 so that the sides extend outward from thebracket 160. The top of the first bracket 163 is connected between theaperture 162 b and 161 d, and the bottom extending outward laterallyfrom the top is connected below the aperture 161 d. The top of thesecond bracket 166 is connected between the aperture 162 b and 161 c,and the bottom extending outward laterally from the top is connectedbelow the aperture 161 c. Thus, the tops are parallel to one another,and the bottoms extend outward away from one another with the aperture162 b between them.

The first bracket includes an aperture 164 in the top and an aperture165 in the bottom, and the second bracket 166 includes an aperture 167in the top and an aperture 168 in the bottom. A fastener 169 extendsthrough the top apertures 164 and 167. An optional extension arm 173 ispivotally connected to the bracket 160 with the fastener 169. Fasteners170 extend through the apertures 162 a and 162 b of the bracket 160 andthrough the corresponding apertures 106 and 109 in the elongate supportmember 101 to connect the bracket 160 thereto.

There are two possible configurations of the safety stanchion and anoption of using the bracket 160 on its own. The first configuration isshown in FIGS. 1-3. The first clamp member 130 is connected to the firstend 102 of the elongate support member 101. The connector portion 131 isslid onto the first end 102, the apertures 132 are aligned with thedesired aperture 105, the bolt 133 a is inserted through the apertures132 and 105, and the nut 133 b is threaded onto the bolt 133 a to securethe first clamp member 130 to the first end 102. The second clamp member140 is connected to the side support member 122. The connector portion141 is slid onto the second end 124 toward the first end 123 so that thesecond end 124 is proximate the end plate 149, the apertures 142 arealigned with the first aperture 125 closest to the elongate supportmember 101, the bolt 143 a is inserted through the apertures 142 and125, and the nut 143 b is threaded onto the bolt 143 a to secure thesecond clamp member 140 to the second end 124.

This first configuration allows the stanchion 100 to be connected to ahorizontal support structure such as a concrete slab. Depending upon thethickness of the support structure, the first clamp member 130 is slidalong the elongate support member 101 to the aperture 105 that createsan opening between the first clamp member 130 and the second clampmember 140 appropriate for the thickness of the support structure.Preferably, the opening is slightly larger than the thickness of thesupport structure. Once the stanchion 100 is positioned on the supportstructure, the fasteners 150 are tightened to secure the stanchion tothe support structure. FIG. 3 shows the stanchion connected to a supportstructure 200.

FIG. 6 shows this first configuration of the stanchion 100 in onepossible application. The stanchion 100 is connected to a supportstructure 800, and a user is positioned on a support structure 800′above the support structure 800. The extension arm 173, to which anetting panel 174 is connected, is pivotally connected to the bracket160 and is lowered into position to extend the netting panel 174 outwardfrom the support structure 800. This provides a debris barrier for anydebris falling off the support structures. During non-use andinstallation, before the extension arm 173 is pivoted downward, thewebbing 116 is used to hold the extension arm 173 in a vertical positionproximate the elongate support member 101. When it is desired to lowerthe extension arm 173, the webbing 116 is released from the buckle 117,which releases the extension arm 173.

Preferably, the stanchion 100 in the first configuration accommodatesconcrete slabs or other suitable support structures within a range of 6to 12 inches thick. The distance between the stanchions 100 should notexceed 25 feet, and if the assembly wraps around a corner, the cornerstanchions 100 should be installed as close to the corner as possible.The extension arm 173 should have a tie-back cable 175 extending back tothe brackets 110 and 113 at approximately a 45 degree angle. One end ofthe tie-back cable 175 is connected to the fastener 118 proximate thetop of the elongate support member 101 and the other end of the tie-backcable 175 is connected to a connector 176 on the extension arm 173. Theclamp member 130 should be adjusted to create an opening between theclamp members 130 and 140 to the closest position that is slightlylarger than the concrete slab thickness. After the stanchion 100 hasbeen slid onto the outside edge of the concrete slab at a desiredlocation, the slab is positioned between the clamp members 130 and 140.The fasteners 150 are tightened onto the concrete slab, biting into thetopside of the concrete slab to secure the clamp members 130 and 140.The fasteners 150 should not be over-tightened as over-tightening couldbend the clamp members 130 and 140.

FIG. 4 shows how the first clamp member 130 and the second clamp member140 are interchangeable to switch from the first configuration to thesecond configuration. The first clamp member 130 is removed from thefirst end 102 of the elongate support member 101, and the second clampmember 140 is removed from the side support member 122. The first clampmember 130 is connected to the side support member 122 so that thebrackets 134 and 136 extend downward. The connector portion 131 is slidonto the second end 124, the apertures 132 are aligned with the desiredaperture 125, the bolt 133 a is inserted through the apertures 132 and125, and the nut 133 b is threaded onto the bolt 133 a to secure thefirst clamp member 130 to the side support member 122. The second clampmember 140 is connected to the elongate support member 101. Theconnector portion 141 is slid onto the first end 102 and upward on theintermediate portion 104 so that the first end 102 is proximate the endplate 149, the apertures 142 are aligned with the aperture 105 closestto the side support member 122, the bolt 143 a is inserted through theapertures 142 and 105, and the nut 143 b is threaded onto the bolt 143 ato secure the second clamp member 140 to the elongate support member101.

The second configuration, shown in FIG. 5, allows the stanchion 100 tobe connected to a vertical support structure 300 such as a concreteparapet wall. Depending upon the thickness of the support structure 300,the first clamp member 130 is slid along the side support member 122 tothe aperture 125 that creates an opening between the first clamp member130 and the second clamp member 140 appropriate for the thickness of thesupport structure 300. Preferably, the opening is slightly larger thanthe thickness of the support structure 300. Once the stanchion 100 ispositioned on the support structure 300, the fasteners 150 and 151 aretightened to secure the stanchion 100 to the support structure 300.

The bracket 160 may be removed from the stanchion 100 and usedindividually as a flush mount bracket either vertically, as shown inFIGS. 8, 9, and 12, or horizontally, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. Holesshould be drilled in the desired location according to the pattern ofthe apertures in the bracket 160, and then suitable fasteners should beused to secure the bracket 160 to the support structure. For verticalinstallation, position the bracket 160 with the bottom portions (theportions including apertures 165 and 168) of the brackets 163 and 166parallel to the ground. FIG. 8 shows the bracket 160 mounted to a wall400 with fasteners extending through the wall 400 and nuts securing thebolts on the side opposite the bracket 160. FIG. 9 shows the bracket 160mounted to a wall 400′ with fasteners extending only partially throughthe wall 400′. For horizontal installation, position the bracket 160with the bottom portions (the portions including apertures 165 and 168)of the brackets 163 and 166 proximate and parallel to the edge of thesurface. FIG. 10 shows the bracket 160 mounted to a floor 500 withfasteners extending through the floor 500 and nuts securing the bolts onthe side opposite the bracket 160. FIG. 11 shows the bracket 160 mountedto a floor 500′ with fasteners extending only partially through thefloor 500′.

As shown in FIG. 12, the bracket 160 may also be used as a columnadapter mounted to a column 600. The brackets 163 and 166 are placedproximate the base of the column 600 with the horizontal portionsproximate the bottom, and a connecting strap 601 is positioned about thecolumn 600 and connected to the brackets 163 and 166. The connectingstrap 601 includes a connector 602 at each end, and the connectors 602are inserted through the apertures 165 and 168. The connecting strap 601includes a ratchet 603, which tightens the strap 601 about the column600. The extension arm 173 includes a cable 175′, which is alsoconnected to the column 600 with a connecting strap 605. The connectors606 of the connecting strap 605 are connected to the cable 175′, and aratchet 607 is used to tighten the connecting strap 605 about the column600. The safety netting (not shown) is connected to the extension arm173 to provide a debris barrier.

The safety stanchion 700 is similar to the safety stanchion 100 and,therefore, only the significant differences will be described. Thesecond clamp member 740 includes an anchor member 753 connected,preferably by welding, to the connector portion 741 proximate the firstand second brackets 744 and 746. The anchor member 753 provides astructure to which a lifeline could be anchored. The first and secondbrackets 744 and 746 each include an additional aperture so that eachbracket 744 and 746 includes two apertures. Nuts 748 a and 748 b areconnected, preferably by welding, to the bracket 746 and have threadedopenings in fluid communication with the apertures. Nuts (not shown) aresimilarly connected to the bracket 744. Fasteners 750 a-d, which havethreads that mate with the threads of the nuts, are inserted through thenuts and the corresponding apertures. The fasteners 750 a-d assist insecuring the second clamp member 740 to a support structure. There aresimilarly two possible configurations for the stanchion 700 and anoption of using the bracket 760 on its own.

Although the safety stanchions 100 and 700 are shown and described foruse with a safety netting system, it is recognized that the safetystanchions could also be used with horizontal lifeline systems,guardrail systems, netting systems, and other suitable types of safetysystems. For example, the safety systems could be connected to theelongate support member 101, the bracket 160, the elongate supportmember 701, the anchor member 753, and the bracket 760. Alternatively,other types of connectors could be connected to the safety stanchions100 and 700 to connect the horizontal lifeline systems, guardrailsystems, and netting systems.

The above specification, examples and data provide a completedescription of the manufacture and use of the composition of theinvention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, the inventionresides in the claims hereinafter appended.

1. A safety stanchion, comprising: an elongate support member having anintermediate portion interconnecting a first end and a second end and aside support member extending outward laterally proximate theintermediate portion, at least one first aperture between theintermediate portion and the first end, the side support member having athird end and at least one second aperture; a first clamp member havinga first connector with a third aperture, the first connector beingconfigured and arranged to be releasably connected to the first end andthe third end, the third aperture being alignable with the at least onefirst aperture and the at least one second aperture; a second clampmember having a second connector with a fourth aperture, the secondconnector being configured and arranged to be releasably connected tothe first end and the third end, the fourth aperture being alignablewith the at least one first aperture and the at least one secondaperture; and wherein the first clamp is connected to the first end andthe second clamp is connected to the third end for connection to ahorizontal structure, wherein the first clamp is connected to the thirdend and the second clamp is connected to the first end for connection toa vertical structure, and wherein fasteners are inserted through therespective apertures to secure the first clamp and the second clamp tothe elongate support member.
 2. The safety stanchion of claim 1, furthercomprising a bracket releasably connectable to the elongate supportmember on an opposing side of the intermediate portion proximate theside support member.
 3. The safety stanchion of claim 2, wherein anextension arm is pivotally connected to the bracket, the extension armincluding a safety netting panel.
 4. The safety stanchion of claim 2,wherein the bracket is configured and arranged for individual use apartfrom the elongate support member.
 5. The safety stanchion of claim 1,wherein the first connector has a longitudinal axis and the first clampextends outward from the first connector in a lateral direction relativeto the longitudinal axis.
 6. A safety stanchion, comprising: an elongatesupport member having an intermediate portion interconnecting a firstend and a second end and a side support member extending outwardlaterally proximate the intermediate portion, the side support memberhaving a third end; a first clamp member having a first connector with afirst longitudinal axis and a first extension portion extending outwardfrom the first connector in a lateral direction from the firstlongitudinal axis; a second clamp member having a second connector witha second longitudinal axis and a second extension portion extendingoutward from the second connector in alignment with the secondlongitudinal axis; and wherein the first clamp member is connected tothe first end and the second clamp member is connected to the third endfor connection to a horizontal structure, wherein the first clamp memberis connected to the third end and the second clamp member is connectedto the first end for connection to a vertical structure.
 7. The safetystanchion of claim 6, further comprising a bracket releasablyconnectable to the elongate support member on an opposing side of theintermediate portion proximate the side support member.
 8. The safetystanchion of claim 7, wherein an extension arm is pivotally connected tothe bracket, the extension arm including a safety netting panel.
 9. Thesafety stanchion of claim 7, wherein the bracket is configured andarranged for individual use apart from the elongate support member. 10.A method of converting a safety stanchion from a first configuration foruse with a horizontal support structure to a second configuration foruse with a vertical support structure, the safety stanchion including anelongate support member with a first end and a side support memberextending outward from an intermediate portion of the elongate supportmember, a first clamp member being operatively connected to the firstend and a second clamp member being operatively connected to the sidesupport member, comprising: obtaining the safety stanchion;disconnecting the first clamp from the first end of the elongate supportmember; disconnecting the second clamp from the side support member;connecting the first clamp member to the side support member; andconnecting the second clamp member to the first end of the elongatesupport member.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising securingthe first and second clamps with fasteners.